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22 pages, 6012 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Histology-Based Circulatory System Reconstruction of Sepiolidae (Bobtail Squids) and Renal Parasite Documentation

by Fahima Tabassum

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2026, 62(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2026062001 - 27 Apr 2026

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The circulatory system of cuttlefish (family Sepiidae) has been extensively studied; however, a comprehensive anatomical reconstruction of bobtail squids (family Sepiolidae) remains limited despite their ecological and evolutionary importance within Decapodiformes. This study reconstructs the circulatory architecture of sepiolids through comparative histological analysis [...] Read more.

The circulatory system of cuttlefish (family Sepiidae) has been extensively studied; however, a comprehensive anatomical reconstruction of bobtail squids (family Sepiolidae) remains limited despite their ecological and evolutionary importance within Decapodiformes. This study reconstructs the circulatory architecture of sepiolids through comparative histological analysis and documents microorganisms or parasites associated with renal tissues. Two bobtail squid species, Rossia bipapillata and Sepiolina nipponensis, were examined using serial histological sections, while four cuttlefish species—Sepia lycidas, Sepia esculenta, Sepia japonica, and Sepia tenuipes—were analyzed for comparative purposes. Morphometric parameters, including sex, total length, and mantle length, were recorded prior to histological processing. Branchial hearts and renal appendages were sectioned using serial microtomy (~120 sections per specimen) and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid–Schiff, Masson’s trichrome, and Giemsa to visualize vascular continuity and tissue organization. Histological observations confirmed vascular connections between the gills, branchial hearts, the systemic heart, and renal appendages, enabling reconstruction of the sepiolid circulatory pathway. In addition, the light organ characteristic of Sepiolidae was identified as a tissue receiving oxygenated blood within the circulatory network. Renal tissues revealed the presence of parasitic organisms, including Dicyema in cuttlefish and ciliates of the genus Chromidina in bobtail squids. Morphological observations revealed structural diversity in Chromidina, including characteristic spiral anterior features and variation in body form, as well as developmental variation in nuclear number relative to body length in dicyemids. These findings provide new insights into cephalopod circulatory organization, parasite diversity, and host–parasite interactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Biology)

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10 pages, 1366 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Growth Patterns of Culturable Indoor Bacteria Vary with Nutrient Availability and Surface Material

by Jieruiyi Weng and Bei-Wen Ying

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2026, 62(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2026062002 - 9 May 2026

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Abstract

Bacteria are ubiquitous in indoor environments, yet their growth dynamics on indoor surfaces remain underexplored. We cultured bacterial communities from various indoor objects on agar media with a gradient of nutrient concentrations and quantitatively analyzed colony growth using ten kinetic parameters. Clustering revealed [...] Read more.

Bacteria are ubiquitous in indoor environments, yet their growth dynamics on indoor surfaces remain underexplored. We cultured bacterial communities from various indoor objects on agar media with a gradient of nutrient concentrations and quantitatively analyzed colony growth using ten kinetic parameters. Clustering revealed two primary growth patterns: a majority with high growth capacity and a minority with lower growth. Nutrient response analysis identified distinct strategies among communities, with plastic surfaces exhibiting greater heterogeneity in growth and nutrient responsiveness. These findings suggest that surface material partially shapes microbial growth behaviors and their adaptation to nutrient availability. This study provides a quantitative framework linking nutrient conditions, growth dynamics, and surface characteristics, offering new insights into the ecological traits of indoor bacterial communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Biology)

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7 pages, 512 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Study of the Growth and Metabolic Insights of Kiwi Fruit by the Application of Amino Acid and Organic-Based Biostimulants

by Vasileios Papantzikos

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2026, 62(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2026062003 - 9 May 2026

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Abstract

Investigating the application of sustainable agricultural approaches, such as the use of biostimulants, is considered more significant than ever, especially in the commercially important species Actinidia deliciosa L., in the face of climate change. In this work, the application of a glycine–betaine–proline-based biostimulant [...] Read more.

Investigating the application of sustainable agricultural approaches, such as the use of biostimulants, is considered more significant than ever, especially in the commercially important species Actinidia deliciosa L., in the face of climate change. In this work, the application of a glycine–betaine–proline-based biostimulant (GBP) and a humic and fulvic acid-based biostimulant (HF) was evaluated on the growth and metabolism of kiwi trees under field conditions. Total phenolic content, proline, and chlorophyll content were analyzed during the experiment. The metabolic data showed that the kiwi trees of the GBP treatment were more robust, as indicated by proline analysis (0.41 ± 0.09 µmol g⁻¹) compared to C (0.28 ± 0.06 µmol g⁻¹). This vigor of GBP treatment was also represented in leaf area (3943.17 ± 211.26 cm²), compared to the C (3484.01 ± 354.19 cm²). The implementation of biostimulants constitutes an ecological approach that can be integrated into biological crop management, as it is environmentally friendly, non-invasive to the ecosystem, and aims for crop resilience to biotic or abiotic stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Biology)

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20 pages, 6562 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Bioactive Profiling of Citrus aurantium Peel Ethanol Extract and Effects on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus Drug Target Proteins

by Kehinde Oluyemi Ajayi, Bisola Kemi Olaoye, Blessing Tolulope Owolabi and Timothy O. Adejumo

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2026, 62(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2026062004 - 25 May 2026

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Abstract

The rising threat of antimicrobial resistance necessitates the search for novel bioactive molecules from natural sources. This study investigated the phytochemical composition, antibacterial potency, and molecular docking interactions of Citrus aurantium peel ethanol extract against Escherichia coli outer-membrane and topoisomerase proteins and Staphylococcus [...] Read more.

The rising threat of antimicrobial resistance necessitates the search for novel bioactive molecules from natural sources. This study investigated the phytochemical composition, antibacterial potency, and molecular docking interactions of Citrus aurantium peel ethanol extract against Escherichia coli outer-membrane and topoisomerase proteins and Staphylococcus aureus toxins as drug target proteins. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical compositions were examined using standard analytical methods, chemical compounds were evaluated and qualified using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and antibacterial effects were investigated in silico and validated in vitro. Qualitative and quantitative analyses revealed high concentrations of flavonoids (4.54 ± 0.11%), alkaloids (1.6 ± 0.03%), terpenoids (1.35 ± 0.01%), tannins (1.02 ± 0.05%), phenols (0.97 ± 0.07%), and saponins (0.80 ± 0.01%). GC–MS profiling identified several dominant compounds, including β-D-glucopyranose, neo-inositol, 8-(2,3-dihydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-7-methoxy-2H-chromen-2-one, and D-allose. In silico docking studies against bacterial druggable proteins (PDB IDs: 4C56 and 3MFG, which are S. aureus toxins; 1BXW and 3FV5, which are E. coli outer-membrane and topoisomerase proteins) revealed strong binding affinities (−6.477 to −8.774 kcal/mol), comparable to standard antibiotics. ADMET predictions confirmed favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles, with most lead compounds displaying high intestinal absorption, low hepatotoxicity, and compliance with Lipinski’s rule of five. The extract exhibited stronger antibacterial activity, producing inhibition zones of 25.11 ± 0.017 and 23.04 ± 0.25 mm against clinical isolates of S. aureus and E. coli, respectively, at a concentration of 10 mg/mL, comparable to ciprofloxacin (30.35 ± 0.26 mm). These findings highlight C. aurantium peel phytoconstituents as promising scaffolds for antibacterial drug development and justify further in vivo validation for combating multidrug-resistant pathogens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Biology)

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78 pages, 645 KB

Open AccessConference Report

Abstracts of the 1st International Online Conference on Biology

by Andrés Moya

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2026, 62(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2026062005 - 5 Jun 2026

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Abstract

The 1st International Online Conference on Biology (IOCBI 2026), held from 10 to 12 February 2026, brought together researchers from around the world to share and discuss recent advances across a wide spectrum of biological disciplines. Organized under the auspices of the journal [...] Read more.

The 1st International Online Conference on Biology (IOCBI 2026), held from 10 to 12 February 2026, brought together researchers from around the world to share and discuss recent advances across a wide spectrum of biological disciplines. Organized under the auspices of the journal Biology (MDPI), the conference provided an open, interactive forum for scientific exchange in a fully online, accessible format. The scientific program encompassed key areas of contemporary biology, including evolutionary biology, ecology, conservation biology, infection biology, zoology, marine biology, and plant sciences. Through keynote lectures, invited talks, oral communications, and flash presentations, the conference highlighted both fundamental questions and emerging challenges that define current biological research. Beyond the diversity of topics, IOCBI 2026 underscored the increasing need for integrative approaches in biology. The contributions collected in this volume reflect a shared effort to connect processes across different levels of biological organization—from molecular systems to ecosystems—revealing life as a complex and evolving network of interactions. This perspective is essential not only for advancing fundamental knowledge but also for addressing pressing global challenges in health, biodiversity, and environmental change. All accepted abstracts included in this volume of Biology and Life Sciences Forum provide a citable record of the work presented at the conference and illustrate current trends and future directions in the biological sciences. We sincerely thank all authors, speakers, reviewers, and organizers for their valuable contributions, which made IOCBI 2026 a successful and stimulating scientific event. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Biology)

11 pages, 844 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

From Antibiotics to Probiotics: Exploring Indigenous Algerian Strains for the Control of Bovine Postpartum Uterine Infections

by Nadia Bechelaghem and Hemissia Mebarki

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2026, 62(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2026062006 - 8 Jun 2026

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Abstract

Dairy cows are frequently affected by postpartum uterine infections, such as metritis and endometritis, which negatively impact fertility and cause significant economic losses. The extensive use of antibiotics may alter the reproductive microbiota and contribute to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. This study [...] Read more.

Dairy cows are frequently affected by postpartum uterine infections, such as metritis and endometritis, which negatively impact fertility and cause significant economic losses. The extensive use of antibiotics may alter the reproductive microbiota and contribute to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from healthy vaginal samples of cows and evaluate their antimicrobial activity against uterine pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Phenotypic characterization and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed, along with antagonistic assays using both overlay and well diffusion methods. The results demonstrated strain-dependent inhibitory activity against E. coli, with inhibition zones ranging from 2 to 4 mm depending on the LAB strain and the method used, whereas no inhibitory activity was observed against Salmonella. These findings support the potential application of selected LAB strains in bovine reproductive health management. However, further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to confirm their efficacy, safety, and stability under physiological conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Biology)

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5 pages, 168 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

The Role of Roots as an Adaptive Mechanism in Cereals Under Combined Abiotic Stresses

by Rishan Singh

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2026, 62(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2026062007 - 10 Jun 2026

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Abstract

Climate change has intensified the occurrence of combined abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, heat, and waterlogging, thereby threatening cereal productivity and global food security. Root systems play a central role in plant adaptation to these interacting stresses by regulating water uptake, ion [...] Read more.

Climate change has intensified the occurrence of combined abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, heat, and waterlogging, thereby threatening cereal productivity and global food security. Root systems play a central role in plant adaptation to these interacting stresses by regulating water uptake, ion balance, nutrient acquisition, and stress signaling. However, many previous studies have primarily focused on individual stress factors rather than integrated stress environments. This review synthesizes current knowledge regarding root-mediated adaptive mechanisms in cereal crops under combined abiotic stresses, with emphasis on barley (Hordeum vulgare), wheat (Triticum aestivum), and oats (Avena sativa). The review highlights how root system architecture, including root depth, branching density, and aerenchyma formation, contributes to stress resilience under interacting environmental conditions. Physiological and molecular mechanisms involving ion transporters, aquaporins, transcription factors, and auxin-regulated root plasticity are also discussed. In barley, deeper and steeper root systems improve water acquisition under combined drought and heat stress, while wheat genotypes carrying the HKT1;5 allele exhibit enhanced sodium exclusion under drought–salinity interactions. Oats respond to waterlogging and salinity through adventitious root formation and enhanced oxygen transport. Overall, this review emphasizes the importance of root-targeted approaches for improving cereal adaptation under increasingly complex multi-stress environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Biology)

13 pages, 938 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Hydromethanolic Extract of Artemisia campestris Targets Acetylcholinesterase and Butyryl Esterase for Sustainable Insect Control

by Manal Bencheikh, Alia Telli and Hakima Ighili-Idder

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2026, 62(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2026062008 - 22 Jun 2026

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Abstract

Artemisia campestris is a medicinal plant species endemic to Algeria, particularly abundant in the southern regions and the central Sahara. Its long-standing use in traditional medicine has recently gained scientific attention, prompting further investigation into its bioactive potential. This study focuses on the [...] Read more.

Artemisia campestris is a medicinal plant species endemic to Algeria, particularly abundant in the southern regions and the central Sahara. Its long-standing use in traditional medicine has recently gained scientific attention, prompting further investigation into its bioactive potential. This study focuses on the phytochemical composition and biological activity of its hydromethanolic extract, with a particular emphasis on its ability to inhibit neural enzymes associated with insect physiology with particular relevance to Aphis gossypii (Glover), a major polyphagous agricultural pest. Preliminary screening revealed a diverse array of secondary metabolites, including tannins (catechic and gallic), flavonoids, quinones, glycosides, terpenoids, saponins, coumarins, and alkaloids; however, anthocyanins were not detected. Quantitative analysis confirmed high concentrations of total phenolics (80.91 ± 1.58 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (60.45 ± 2.02 mg RE/g), phenolic acids (4.24 ± 0.38 mg CAE/g), and condensed tannins (2.26 ± 0.29 mg CE/g). Enzyme inhibition assays were performed using Ellman’s method, and IC₅₀ values were calculated by nonlinear regression analysis based on dose–response curves. The extract demonstrated significant in vitro inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), with IC₅₀ values of 13.79 ± 0.79 µg/mL and 8.34 ± 0.58 µg/mL, respectively. Molecular docking analyses further confirmed strong binding affinities of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, malvidin-3-O-glucoside, and apigenin (−8.20 to −8.50 kcal/mol) with the AChE active site, stabilized by hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions with key residues. These results were benchmarked against galantamine, a reference inhibitor, which exhibited IC₅₀ values of 1.50 ± 0.12 µg/mL under the same conditions. Although galantamine showed superior potency, the relatively low IC₅₀ values of the A. campestris extract support its potential as a natural cholinesterase-inhibitory agent warranting further investigation. These findings suggest that A. campestris may represent a promising source of natural cholinesterase inhibitors with potential relevance for eco-friendly insect control. These in vitro and in silico findings provide a mechanistic rationale warranting future in vivo bioassay validation against A. gossypii and related agricultural pests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Biology)

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8 pages, 1567 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Can Artificial Plantings Resemble Natural Vegetation? Preliminary Evidence from a Quercus robur L. Stand in Mediterranean Italy

by Iduna Arduini, Riccardo Lenci and Silvia Pampana

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2026, 62(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2026062009 - 23 Jun 2026

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Abstract

The understorey vegetation of mature Quercus robur L. mixed forests (MF) was compared for richness and composition with that of natural forest gaps (FG) and of 30-year-old artificial Q. robur plantations (AF) in Mediterranean Italy. Richness was similar in AF and MF and [...] Read more.

The understorey vegetation of mature Quercus robur L. mixed forests (MF) was compared for richness and composition with that of natural forest gaps (FG) and of 30-year-old artificial Q. robur plantations (AF) in Mediterranean Italy. Richness was similar in AF and MF and was almost double in FG, due to the arrival of species from non-forest habitats, among which 14% were aliens. In these specific conditions, natural gap dynamics did not support forest recruitment, while AF hosted typical nemoral species, demonstrating that afforestation may be successful for nature restoration, provided that connectivity with natural systems is maintained for the supply of forest species propagules. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Biology)

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11 pages, 229 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Baboons at the Crossroads: Comparative Perspectives on Geography, Governance, and Adaptation in Africa and Saudi Arabia

by Eman Elbealy

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2026, 62(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2026062010 - 1 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Baboons inhabit diverse ecological and socio-political landscapes, from African savannahs and forests to the fragmented habitats of the Arabian Peninsula. This comparative synthesis examines how geography, governance, and adaptation shape human–baboon interactions and conservation outcomes. Geography determines habitat heterogeneity, species distribution, and encounter [...] Read more.

Baboons inhabit diverse ecological and socio-political landscapes, from African savannahs and forests to the fragmented habitats of the Arabian Peninsula. This comparative synthesis examines how geography, governance, and adaptation shape human–baboon interactions and conservation outcomes. Geography determines habitat heterogeneity, species distribution, and encounter rates with people. Governance ranges from community-based management in Africa to centralized, technology-driven approaches in Saudi Arabia, influencing mitigation and policy implementation. Adaptation, especially behavioral flexibility, helps baboons persist in human-dominated landscapes while complicating management. Together, these factors support locally tailored, scalable conservation strategies and highlight the need for stakeholder engagement, technological innovation, and climate resilience to improve coexistence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Biology)

7 pages, 1057 KB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Habitat Preferences and Behavior of the Great-Tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus in Wetlands with Different Levels of Urbanization on the North Pacific Coast of Mexico

by Guillermina Bautista-Gómez

Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2026, 62(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/blsf2026062011 - 7 Jul 2026

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Abstract

The current global population trend is towards greater concentration in cities, which presents a potential negative risk to wetlands and the species that inhabit them, especially birds, when they are encroached upon by urban growth that destroys the vegetation used for perching, roosting, [...] Read more.

The current global population trend is towards greater concentration in cities, which presents a potential negative risk to wetlands and the species that inhabit them, especially birds, when they are encroached upon by urban growth that destroys the vegetation used for perching, roosting, nesting, and feeding. Bird species capable of adapting to urban environments are the ones that ensure their permanence and success over other species with less adaptive capacity. Therefore, in the present study, the abundance and distribution of the Mexican Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus were obtained in two urban wetlands with different levels of urbanization and land-use policies. The point count method was used, and the behavior of the species, types of vegetation, urban infrastructure, and human activities were also recorded. The results showed that the lowest abundance occurred in the wetland that was the most urbanized, with a land-use policy for urban development, intensive recreational use, and a preference for street lighting and sidewalks. In contrast, the highest abundance was found in the wetland with a land-use policy focused on protection, showing habitat preference for areas with trees and guided visit activities for environmental education. It can therefore be concluded that this species develops better in less urbanized environments with abundant trees. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 1st International Online Conference on Biology)

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